Krige: Boks need WP captain
Michael Green, Die Burger
Port Elizabeth - Former Springbok captain Corné Krige has added his voice to the choir calling for Western Province flanker Luke Watson to be included in the South African rugby team.
"Just because the Springboks have won their last two Test matches does not mean our problems have been solved," Krige said here on Wednesday.
He attended the launch of the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens tournament to be held at Grey High School in December.
"I believe one must have an open-side flanker in your team and I think Watson is the right man for this position (for the Springboks)," Krige said.
"He has a major influence on just about every match he plays in.
"At this stage, he also seems to be a good leader, but we'll have to see how he handles greater pressure as captain."
The former Springbok flanker said Watson, who had left Port Elizabeth to play big-time rugby, was in a class of his own as open-side flanker in South Africa.
"We have incredible talent among the loose forwards, but we need more open-side flankers.
'Must hone open-side flankers'
"Roland Bernard of the Lions is starting to play well again. I rate him rather highly.
"But, every union must develop and hone open-side flankers if we don't want to come short against other international teams."
Krige added that he had been impressed by the performances of young Pierre Spies.
"He is big, strong and fast and looks a fantastic player, but I feel he should be used as a ball carrier because that is his natural game.
"The same goes for Joe van Niekerk. One should not try to turn him into a fetcher if he is a ball carrier."
Krige said he would pick Juan Smith to partner Spies and Watson in the Springbok team. "I have a lot of respect for Smith. He is a fine player and cannot be left out.
"Maybe he should be at No 8, but Spies could also be better at eighthman.
Must complement each other
"However, those three are my loose-forward trio," said Krige.
He added that it was not always best for a team to have the three best loose forwards available, but that it was better to select the three who complemented each other best.
Krige also said Watson had not been at his best in Western Province's match against the Cheetahs.
Watson will lead his team against the Falcons at Newlands on Saturday.
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